The pair joined first team regulars Erik Pieters and Tom Edwards in an experienced line-up as the youngish Potters strengthened their grip on second spot in Group A of the Premier League Cup with two games remaining.

The two sides had played out a goalless draw in the league a fortnight ago, but the chances of a repeat were put to bed by Berahino in the 12th minute.

Edwards went on a marauding run on the right flank before squaring to Berahino, who confidently fired past Anthony Patterson in the Sunderland goal.

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The Burundi international had the taste for more and bent a shot inches wide of the post before doubling his tally for the evening in bizarre circumstances.

Tre Pemberton, who had an inspired outing on the wing, saw his shot was saved and the rebound fall to Berahino. The striker completely mishit his effort, but the ball smashed into the turf before bobbling into the back of the net.

The Black Cats weren’t short of opportunities at the other end, with Lee Connolly crashing a shot against the post before halving the deficit.

They got back into the contest when Stoke keeper Jakob Haugaard fumbled a shot from Sunderland’s skipper Ethan Robson and Connolly pounced to score.

Senior players Saido Berahino and Tom Edwards share a joke after the Stoke City under-23s victory over Sunderland in the Premier League Cup at Clayton Wood. Berahino scored a hat-trick for the Potters. (Image: James Knowles)

But the visitors’ joy was short-lived, with Diouf acrobatically reacting to a Jake Dunwoody header to restore City’s two-goal advantage.

With snow beginning to fall, Stoke continued on the front foot in the second half. Thibaud Verlinden saw a shot deflected narrowly wide before the Belgian whipped in a corner that Pieters headed over the bar.

Then, out of nowhere, Sunderland capitalised on a defensive error and scored for the second time through Benji Kimpioka.

With half an hour remaining, the game was now in the balance. Diouf saw a header well saved by Patterson before Connolly missed a glorious chance to equalise for Sunderland.